Extension Update: Build a sustainable wardrobe

Prices seem to be rising on every single commodity and people’s dollars are shrinking. The ability to make wise decisions with apparel is important now as ever.
A wardrobe that can last a long time and doesn’t need to replaced has tangible economic benefits.
One of the main things people need to do is avoid fads. New trends come and go. In the past, for example, skirt lengths varied each season, and garments became obsolete by the next season. In menswear, similar trends occurred with lapel and tie widths. In today’s world, such extremes don’t exist as much, but fads still come around. To make a wardrobe sustainable, avoid those fads and buy timeless garments.
To purchase apparel that will last, look at the structure of weave in fabric before buying it. Looser weaves don’t have as many threads and will wear quicker. Denim is a strong fabric, but the color of denims may fade over time.
How well garments are cared for greatly determines longevity. Manufacturers are required by law to include care labels in garments. These labels notify the owner how to best take care of the garment. Care labels usually are sown into the back of the neck or waist and are sometimes found in a side seam of the garment.
A care label gives information on the machine wash cycle, the correct  water temperature and whether or not to use bleach.  It also gives the recommended drying cycle, heat setting and any special drying instructions such as line dry, drip dry or dry flat.  Ironing recommendations also are included.  Care labels sometimes recommend dry cleaning and might even recommend solvents and special instructions for professional dry cleaners. 
Generally, light colors stain easier than dark colors, so keep that in mind when shopping for sustainable clothing. Printed or plaid garments can hide stains easier as well. Certain fibers stain easier. Natural fibers, such as cotton, wool and silk, stain easier than synthetic fibers such as polyester.
For certain situations, one type of fiber may be preferable to another. Work clothes may be an instance where staining could be a problem and synthetic fibers might be preferred. Cotton fibers have good absorption, making cotton socks and clothes preferable in warm weather.  Cotton wrinkles easily, so it is often blended with synthetic fibers that don’t. Wool has loft, which makes the garment fluffier and warmer, giving items such as sweaters higher insulation values.
Before shopping, be aware of what already makes up a personal wardrobe. It’s easy to go out shopping and be captivated by something that may or may not fit in with the wardrobe. Maximize clothing dollars and buy things that will coordinate with clothes already owned. That way, it will take fewer garments to equal a larger wardrobe.